Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
453 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service has sufficient resources to fulfil its work in view of the record number of cases that came before it in Q4 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19275/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments.
I am fully satisfied that MABS has sufficient resources to assist and support its clients. This is borne out by the data which show that the 54 MABS companies, employing some 277 money advice staff, dealt with an additional 306 new clients between Q4 2010 and Q4 2011, During the same period, the number of helpline calls decreased by 1,131, a fall of almost 20%. On an annual basis, the total number of clients was 21,653 in 2010 compared to 22,462 in 2011.
The Citizens Information Board compiles information on the waiting times in each MABS office on a quarterly basis. Based on the latest information available, at the end of February 2012, the average waiting time from first point of contact to first appointment with a money adviser is some 3.6 weeks. This is the average nationally and obviously, there are fluctuations between offices. Information and statistics in relation to the level of services provided by MABS are available on www.mabs.ie
During the waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and, if appropriate, they are supported to take holding action with their creditors.
In December 2011 sanction was received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the retention of 12 temporary posts within the MABS network for a further two year period. I am satisfied that this additional resource ensures that MABS can continue to provide a high quality service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finance.
